Network Rail agrees 2% pay deal with unions

Network Rail has agreed a 2% pay increase deal with unions Unite, the Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association (TSSA) and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT).

The agreement also includes a pay rise in line with retail prices index inflation next year, as well as an assurance there will be no compulsory redundancies until the end of next year.

Of the 9,052 RMT members who voted on Network Rail’s offer, 7,449 opted to accept it, 1,598 voted to not accept it, and five votes were spoilt.

Some 1,020 members of the TSSA voted to accept the offer and 98 voted against it.

Union members had threatened industrial action this month, but it has now been called off.

Mike Cash, general secretary of the RMT, said: “Network Rail has been informed of our acceptance and has been requested to implement it at the earliest opportunity. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Network Rail members for their determination, solidarity and support for their union over the last months.

“Without it, this deal would simply not have been possible. It just goes to show what can be achieved when members stand united and are prepared to fight for a fair deal.”

Mark Carne, chief executive of Network Rail, added: “This has clearly been a difficult period of uncertainty for our employees and for the people and businesses that depend on us. I am therefore pleased that we’ve come to an agreement.

“What has been clear to me throughout these negotiations is the passion we all share for the railway. I’m confident we will all now move forward together, translating that passion into improvements that will drive up our performance and deliver a better service for our customers.”